Skip to content

Townsend
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Townsend, Tennessee. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

What you need to do in Townsend

From the linked source
  1. To confirm
    Check that short-term rentals are allowed at your address

    The record has no finding on whether Townsend allows short-term rentals. Ask the planning or zoning office before you list.

  2. To confirm
    Check whether you need a license or permit

    The record does not say whether Townsend requires a short-term rental license. Ask the city or county licensing office.

  3. To do
    Who collects the 3% Townsend occupancy tax depends on the booking channel

    Airbnb: collects it for you; Vrbo: not confirmed; Booking.com: not confirmed; Direct: you collect and remit. Where a channel's answer is not confirmed, check its tax settings.

  4. To confirm
    Find out how often you file and when returns are due

    The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

Verify each step with the authority before you file or apply. Source

Get reminders for your Townsend filing dates

Save your rental and its filing dates for free. Starter and Pro email you before each saved date, and when a published rule change for Townsend affects your rental.

Create a free account

What to know.

The published guide for Townsend lists 3% local occupancy tax. The state table lists a 7% Tennessee state sales tax in addition. Local sales and occupancy taxes may apply in addition to the state base rate. License or registration details are not available.

At a glance.

Local tax
3%
State tax
7%
Total for a direct booking
10%
License
Not available
Local filing
By booking channel

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

Townsend: Recorded remittance instructions

HIGH PRIORITY Smokies STR market: 3% HM tax passed 1st reading 8/19/2025 (3-2); 2nd reading 9/16/2025 outcome unverified - confirm adoption/effective date; tax explicitly covers cabins/Airbnb/campgrounds; Blount Co 5% applies

Source for these notes: thedailytimes.com: article 5bbac10e d0a2 4a66 bd9f bf6a916c873b

Platform tax collection guidance for Townsend

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbPlatform collectsPlatform collects
VrboPlatform collectsCheck
Booking.comPlatform collectsCheck
DirectYou collect and remitYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Find permit information

    Permit requirements are not available in this guide. The linked authority provides application information.

  • Collection of the 3% local tax

    Follow the channel breakdown above; you collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

  • Check the state tax requirements

    Use the linked state tax instructions to register and file.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Townsend occupancy tax3%Source linked
Tennessee state sales tax7%Source linked
Tennessee filing and tax guidanceSee guidanceSource linked
Licensing recordNot availableSource linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Townsend STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Townsend occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Townsend?

The licensing requirement for Townsend is not available. Check state and local license or registration rules before listing.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.